Leveling Epoxy Countertops After Pour—From 320 to 2000 Grit Glass Finish

Epoxy countertops can look stunningly glassy—or frustratingly uneven—depending on how you handle post-pour sanding. Tiny waves, dust nibs, or trapped bubbles are normal after curing, but they can all be leveled and polished out with the right grit sequence and care. This guide walks through how to sand and polish epoxy countertops safely to achieve a true mirror gloss.

Why Sanding Matters for Epoxy Leveling

Even the best epoxy self-levels imperfectly. Fine sanding evens the cured surface, removing small ripples and texture before polishing. Because epoxy is clear, every scratch and sanding pattern is visible—so grit progression and cleanliness are key to optical clarity.

Recommended Tools

• Dual-action (DA) sander with variable speed control.
• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets (320–2000 grit).
• Soft interface pad for curved edges.
• Spray bottle of clean water with a drop of dish soap.
• Microfiber towels, buffing compound, and polishing pad.

Ideal Grit Sequence

• 320 grit – Flatten ripples and remove surface imperfections.
• 800 grit – Refine scratch pattern to smooth matte finish.
• 1500 grit – Pre-polish refinement stage.
• 2000 grit – Final micro-finishing before polishing compound.

Step-by-Step: Leveling and Polishing Epoxy Countertops

1. Inspect and clean. Remove dust and debris. Ensure epoxy has cured fully—typically 3–5 days depending on temperature and brand.
2. Initial leveling. Using 320 Grit (25-pack) wet/dry sheets, sand with light pressure and overlapping strokes. Work in sections, keeping the surface evenly damp to prevent clogging.
3. Mid-stage refinement. Move to 800 Grit (50-pack) paper and sand in alternating directions. Rinse between passes to remove slurry.
4. Fine smoothing. Continue with 1500 Grit (100-pack) for uniform texture. The surface should appear satin-smooth and evenly hazed.
5. Final finish sanding. Use 2000 grit wet/dry paper in slow, circular motions for ultra-fine refinement. Dry the surface to inspect under side light; no visible scratches should remain.
6. Polish to gloss. Apply a fine polishing compound with a foam pad at low speed. Buff in overlapping passes until the epoxy turns crystal clear and reflective.
7. Clean and protect. Wipe with a microfiber cloth, then apply a thin coat of countertop wax or sealer for added UV and scratch protection.

Special Cases

If your epoxy contains embedded objects (stones, shells, pigment streaks), mask those zones when flattening to avoid exposing or dulling them. For tinted epoxies, dry-sand only at final stages to preserve depth. Deep scratches may require restarting from 220 grit—but test first in a corner before committing.

Pro Tips

• Always sand wet from 320 upward—epoxy heats easily and can gum up paper.
• Use distilled water to avoid mineral residue on clear finishes.
• Clean between every grit change to prevent cross-contamination.
• Keep sander speed below 2000 RPM when polishing to avoid overheating.
• Finish edges by hand with soft pads for a seamless transition to sides.

Aftercare

• Allow at least 24 hours before exposing the surface to moisture or heat.
• Clean with mild soap and water only—avoid alcohol or abrasive cleaners.
• Apply a maintenance wax every 3–6 months to maintain gloss and protect against UV yellowing.
• For future re-polishing, start again from 1500 grit to refresh clarity.

FAQs

• Can I skip from 800 to 2000 grit? Not recommended—fine scratches will remain visible after polishing.
• Why does my epoxy look hazy? Either sanding residue wasn’t fully removed, or the surface needs further refinement at 1500 grit.
• Can I dry-sand epoxy? Only at very fine grits for quick touch-ups—always use low speed and light pressure.

Watch & Learn

With patient wet-sanding from 320 to 2000 grit and gentle polishing, you can transform uneven epoxy pours into smooth, mirror-like countertops ready for everyday use and admiration.